20 Companies Where Creativity is Key

Looking for a job where you can challenge yourself and stretch your creative muscles? Well, look no further, because these 20 companies are all about big ideas and innovative solutions.

In addition to being all around awesome, these workplaces put major emphasis on empowering employees to pull out their creative licenses, think outside the box, and push the envelope—regardless of their rank or position.

Did we just describe the employer of your dreams? Well, dust off that resume and toss your hat into the ring—all of these companies are hiring right now!

The leading social media technology and reputation management partner, Digital Air Strike helps businesses across North America leverage social channels to engage with consumers, promote their brands, maximize awareness, and optimize their ROI. Digital Air Strike is the largest provider of social media and reputation management to the automotive industry while also providing its award-winning services to clients in other industries and markets.

Digital Air Strike encourages creativity and teamwork. Each quarter employees from different departments are invited to work together to come up with new ideas and solutions to make the company better for employees, and most importantly for clients. Recently, the meeting focused on updating Digital Air Strike’s Mission, Vision, and Values. The meetings are called Diagonal Slice meetings because they include a cross-section of employees and “diagonal slices” of pizza—which make participation extra popular.

Because Ideosity carved out such a niche business for itself, employees are expected to bring their A game and big ideas to the office. But, rest assured, they’re highly rewarded for their creative efforts. In addition to fully covered health and dental insurance, team members get unlimited paid time off, a free gym membership, and plenty of snacks throughout the day.

Candescent Health is on a mission to significantly improve the accuracy, speed, and value of diagnostics by enabling and empowering every provider to offer patients the right read by the right specialist at the right time. The company's first-of-its-kind optimization service helps alleviate hospitals’ biggest burdens so providers can focus on what really matters—patient care.

As a startup, employees at Candescent Health have to be quick on their feet, learn from their mistakes, and come up with creative solves to problems. “Solving problems for people with difficult jobs is very rewarding, ” says Jim Garretson, Director of Product Management. In order to keep up with the industry and with others on the team, Candescent Health has quarterly engineering summits, lunch and learn sessions on a variety of topics, and informal town halls.

First Look Media is a combination of entertainment and journalism—uniquely structured as a hybrid for-profit commercial business and a non-profit operation, both with the shared goal of influencing culture and society through stories of consequence.

“Who we are and who we want to be is constantly evolving. Each day, we bring something new, and I’m excited to be a part of that growth,” says Nicolas Borenstein, Director, Scripted Programming and Content. While employees enjoy plenty of other perks—like a great roof deck or a game of ping-pong to blow off some steam—it’s that big picture thinking that excites them all the most.

Amplify's programs for English language arts, math, and science are leading the way in data-driven instruction and setting the standard for next-generation curriculum. Amplify has brought mobile assessments, instructional analytics, and riveting, rigorous curriculum to thousands of schools, supporting more than 300,000 educators and 3 million students in all 50 states

Amplify knows that in order for employees to truly be innovative and creative, they need to understand the big picture. So, the company’s leaders always make sure to keep team members in the loop. “Managers here take the time to explain why things work, rather than just how they should—and that really helps me learn,” says Rodney Augustin, Software Engineer.

Kaleidoscope is an independent brand consultancy with a global reach. The organization's teams connect insights with strategy, design, and prototyping to deliver integrated innovative solutions with speed and agility. Kaleidoscope began innovating after progressing beyond the brand imaging and prototyping services that put the company on the map in 1995.

Creativity is at the core of what Kaleidoscope is all about. Aside from teams brimming with creative ideas and talent, the office itself—complete with mock-up and color-proofing studios—operates as a designer’s playground. When employees feel like they need to take a break from creating to refuel? Well, the dog-friendly office space, relaxing rooftop, and regular themed lunches definitely help.

PGAV Destinations designs attractions, exhibits, and experiences that enrich lives. Using intuition, intellect, and imagination, PGAV Destinations help clients create enduring memories in the minds of their guests. PGAV is recognized as the leading master planner and designer of theme parks, zoos, museums, aquariums, heritages sites, destination retail, and brand-based celebrations.

The company believes that exceptional destinations can only be made by people who possess that rare and unforgettable blend of creativity, professionalism, and vision. The staff is comprised of over 100 full-time artists, architects, storytellers, business strategists, designers, interpreters, and planners who seamlessly integrate their work to provide unique, exciting, and innovative experiences for clients.

Bonobos was created to help men find pants with the perfect fit. Now the menswear company provides a full collection of clothing for men of all builds and preferences. With award-winning customer service ninjas, free shipping both ways, and Guideshops nationwide, Bonobos simplifies the online shopping experience—making the search for the perfect fit painless.

At Bonobos, it doesn’t matter what role an employee has—everyone’s input is expected and valued. With this hands-on approach, employees are invested in helping where they can, regardless of job titles, and provide insight that allows the company to make informed decisions, to grow, and to succeed.

Squarespace empowers millions of people—from individuals and local artists to entrepreneurs shaping the world’s most iconic businesses—to share their stories and create an impactful, stylish, and easy-to-manage online presence. Squarespace’s team of more than 800 is headquartered in downtown New York City, with offices in Dublin and Portland. To meet the Squarespace Creative Team, click here.

At Squarespace, the entire team is passionate about the company’s mission to make beautiful products that help creative ideas succeed. “There’s a willingness to go the extra mile to build something extraordinary. Everyone here wants to do something special,” says Squarespace’s Director of Product Design.

Founded by musicians and music-lovers, Pandora aims to create a world inspired through listening. Using musicological DNA and constant listener feedback, Pandora crafts personalized stations from a growing collection of recordings. Tens of millions of people across the U.S. use Pandora to listen to their favorite artists—and discover new ones—every day.

Inside Pandora’s music-filled office, you’ll find a team full of passionate creators. But, despite the fact that Pandora has attracted top talent, employees always remain humble. “It’s pretty amazing to be working with people that don’t have egos,” says Maira Benjamin, Director of Engineering, “We have people that want to get the job done well and are willing to work with each other towards the bigger purpose of the company.”

Method is on a mission to fight dirty. Started by roommates Adam Lowry and Eric Ryan in the dirtiest apartment in San Francisco, the company has created a revolutionary line of naturally derived, biodegradable household cleaners, laundry products, and personal care products that are safe for people and for the planet. Method’s mission is to inspire a happy, healthy home revolution—with its safe and beautiful products that clean like heck, smell like heaven, and are beautiful enough to never need to be hidden underneath the sink.

Unorthodox and creative are two qualities Method looks for in employees. In fact, during the interview process, candidates are asked “How will you keep Method weird?” Letting their employees embrace their creative sides is important. “We have a great team. My questions or crazy ideas are always explored and listened to,” says Mia Croft, Arts and Crafts Designer.

Kat is a Midwest-based freelance writer, covering topics related to careers, self-development, and the freelance life. In addition to writing for The Muse, she's also the Career Editor for The Everygirl, a columnist for Inc., and a contributor all over the web. When she manages to escape from behind her computer screen, she's usually babying her rescued terrier mutt or continuing her search for the perfect taco. Say hi on Twitter @kat_boogaard or check out her website.